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Statement from the San Francisco Department of Environment on the Passing of Mayor Edwin M. Lee

December 12, 2017 - San Francisco,CA

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and express our condolences to his entire family. Mayor Lee cared greatly about the people of San Francisco and our environment, and intimately understood the connection between the health of people and the planet.

Mayor Lee recognized the important role that cities play in protecting the environment on both the local and global stage. Under his leadership, San Francisco made significant progress towards its climate action goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 28% below 1990 levels, even as the city’s population and economy grew.

In the face of federal inaction, he stood side by side with other world leaders and committed to the emission reduction targets of the Paris Climate Accords, affirming San Francisco’s global leadership in combating climate change.

As Mayor, he signed into law first-in-the-nation environmental policies expanding the ban on single-use plastic bags and styrofoam products, requiring new buildings to have rooftop solar panels and electric vehicle charging capacity, and prohibiting the sale of furniture and children’s products with flame retardant chemicals.

Mayor Lee believed that the City’s environmental achievements should benefit everyone, especially our most vulnerable residents. His passion was for public service and we will honor his memory by continuing to provide innovative solutions that advance climate protection and enhance the quality of life for all San Franciscans.

We will remember Mayor Lee and miss his leadership, commitment to good government, and stewardship of our city and planet.”